Runners head for Fiji

Winners and runners-up gather for a photo shoot after the completion of the Jet Runners New Year's 5km Road Race in Nadi yesterday. Picture: SUPPLIED

ATHLETICS Fiji is set to host the Oceania Cross Country Championships for the first time in September this year.

The championship will have athletes from all member federations of the Oceania region including Australia and New Zealand.

Athletics Fiji interim president Doctor Ayoade Alakija said they were excited about this new development.

She said they have been in negotiation with resorts and other potential partners for a couple of weeks.

"There is tremendous potential for our sport and it is expected that this event will bring in a couple of million dollars in tourism as we welcome athletes from as far afield as Dubai, Kenya and Morocco," Dr Alakija said.

"We are hoping to make it an annual event."

Dr Alakija said they were working along the International Association of Athletics Federations directive to make the sport accessible to all.

"Therefore, we want to work with OAA (Oceania Athletics Association) and other development partners to promote healthy living and prevent NCDs whilst also scouting out potential talent for the future.